The biggest difference comes from barrier penetration. Modern defensive loads make the 40 S&W and 9mm quite equal on soft flesh. However, both the 9mm and 40 S&W are generally capable of exceeding that 12-inch limit, and both rounds have an excellent choice of self-defense loads. These are more dependent on a round’s specific load more than the round itself. If it can penetrate 12 inches of ballistic gel it can strike a vital organ and stop an attacker. To do so the round needs to be capable of penetrating at least 12 inches of ballistic gel. With that in mind, they had to have the ability to stop an aggressive attacker. That can change, but as of now, 40 S&W has proven to be the more available ammunition.īoth of these rounds were designed initially for military or police work. This means more 40 S&W is produced than 9mm for these law enforcement contracts leading to more on the shelves perhaps? Regardless of the reasoning 40 S&W and 12 gauge were the only calibers widely available for almost two years. Or it could be that until very recently the 40 S&W has been the choice for law enforcement since the early 1990s. This could be due to 9mm being more popular and therefore more people purchasing it. 22 pistols.Ĥ0 S&W, however, remained available. 9mm was difficult to find and almost impossible to buy in bulk just like the ammo for. The main difference in availability was mostly noticed from 2012 to 2014 when there was an ammunition drought. Both calibers also have a variety of different target and self-defense loads available to them.īoth calibers can easily be bought in bulk online as well. From big box stores to mom and pop gun shops both calibers are everywhere. The difference between defensive ammunition is rarely more than a dollar per box and isn’t discernible.ĩmm vs.40 Cal Winner: 9mm (Just barely)īoth ammo types are quite popular and easy to find at any ammo retailer. Unlike the 9mm and the 22lr, there is rarely any price difference between the 9mm and 40 S&W variants.ĩmm clearly holds the better price for bulk purchases and for cheaper target or practice ammunition. Both calibers are incredibly popular with civilian shooters and law enforcement, so most major companies produce firearms in both 9mm and 40 S&W. The price between firearms chambered for the cartridge rarely differs either. Looking at the popular Hornady Critical Duty for both the 9mm and 40 S&W and you get a price difference of 68 cents per box of 20 from online retailers. Self-defense ammunition narrows the price gap to the point of no discernible difference. These are priced for big-box retailers on standard FMJ cartridges. Out of the gate, the 9mm is slightly cheaper with the average price being 10 dollars for a box of 50 rounds, compared to 40 S&W 13 dollars per box. This is especially true when it comes to buying in bulk. Going the cheapest route isn’t always the wisest, however, being budget conscious is an admirable goal. Price of AmmunitionĪmmunition prices are an interesting aspect that comes into play when deciding a caliber. Palmetto State Armory – Bulk Ammo, MSR Rifles, Magazines & More